Corrugated metal has bumps all the way along it, however, it’s reasonably thin. Therefore, it can be cut with a range of different tools. In this article, I will cover what tools can be used to cut corrugated metal.
A circular saw, jigsaw, table saw, grinder, tin snips, nibbler, electric shears, sawzall, and plasma cutter can be used to cut corrugated metal. The most effective tools that make the best cuts in corrugated metal are a nibbler, circular saw, and table saw. Overall, a nibbler works the best.
Some tools work OK to cut corrugated metal but have a few drawbacks, such as they are hard to cut a very precise line, or they leave a rough edge. Provided you use the tools that are the best for cutting corrugated metal you can’t go wrong. Below, I will explain how well each of the different tools work to cut corrugated metal.
What Can You Use to Cut Corrugated Metal?
Some tools are very versatile and can be used to cut a range of different materials. Corrugated metal is made mostly of steel and aluminum, and is fairly thin. Here are the tools that can be used to cut it.
A table saw, circular saw, grinder, nibbler, electric shears, tin snips, jigsaw, a plasma cutter, and a sawzall work to cut corrugated metal. The easiest tool to use is a nibbler, followed by a circular saw, and a table saw. Tin snips, and a plasma cutter are not recommended but do work.
Tin snips require a lot of hand strength, and a plasma cutter leaves a very rough edge that needs to be smoothed off using a grinder. Below, is a summary of each of the different tools that can be used, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Can You Cut Corrugated Metal with a Circular Saw?
A circular saw is a handheld tool that is typically used for cutting wood. However, it has a fairly large blade and is quite powerful. So, this is whether one can be used to cut corrugated metal.
As a general rule, a circular saw can be used to cut corrugated metal. A circular saw works very well for cutting corrugated metal. Therefore, it’s well suited to cutting large and small quantities of corrugated metal. Always use eye protection, ear protection, and safety gloves.
Can You Cut Corrugated Metal with a Jigsaw?
A jigsaw is ideal for making cuts that are curved but also cuts straight lines very well. A jigsaw has a smaller blade and is smaller overall than some of the other common saws. Therefore, here’s the long and short of whether it can be used to cut corrugated metal.
In general, you can use a jigsaw to cut corrugated metal. Ensure you use a metal blade rather than a wood blade. A jigsaw works very well to cut corrugated metal but requires going up and down each bump in the corrugated metal. As a result, it takes slightly longer than larger saws.
If you need to make a lot of cuts and have access to a larger saw such as a circular saw or table saw these would be better. Due to the fact that they will make cuts faster and easier.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on October 15, 2022.
Can You Cut Corrugated Metal with a Table Saw?
A table saw is the mainstay of a woodworking workshop. They are primarily used to cut wood. So, this is whether they work to cut corrugated metal.
Overall, you can use a table saw to cut corrugated metal. But, you should use a metal cutting blade. Other than that, a table saw works very well to cut corrugated metal. Doing so produces a lot of metal sparks and is reasonably loud, therefore, use eye and ear protection, and protective gloves.
A table saw is very powerful, and makes cuts very fast compared to other tools that work to cut corrugated metal. Therefore, it’s good for cutting a lot of corrugated metal. If you only need to make a few short cuts a grinder is a better option.
Can You Cut Corrugated Metal with Grinder?
Grinders are versatile, and many people have found they can be used to do a range of different things. They were originally designed for sanding and smoothing metal. So, this is how good a job they do at cutting corrugated metal.
In general, a grinder can be used to cut corrugated metal. However, it is slightly difficult to cut a straight line because it’s hard to hold the grinder steady. Therefore, it can be easier to make cuts by making a fence made of wood to use as a guide for the grinder.
A grinder makes light work of corrugated metal. But, it does take some time to cut all the way through.
Therefore, it is a bit slow, and is more difficult to use than a nibbler, skill saw, or table saw. One of these are a far better option for a large quantity of cuts.
Can You Cut Corrugated Metal with Nibbler?
A nibbler is a fairly uncommon tool, and can be used to cut various different materials. Corrugated metal is more difficult to cut because it has grooves and valleys. So, this is whether corrugated metal can be cut by a nibbler.
Overall, a nibbler can be used to cut corrugated metal. A nibbler is very effective at cutting corrugated metal. It is easier to control than other similar tools such as a jigsaw, or a grinder. But, it is similar in ease of use to larger saws like table saws, and circular saws.
A nibbler, overall, is one of the best options for cutting corrugated metal. If you have access to one, then definitely use it to cut corrugated metal.
Can You Cut Corrugated Metal with a Skill Saw?
A skillsaw is a very strong saw, and has the advantage of being handheld. It makes light work of many different materials. However, metals are very strong, so this is if a skill saw will work to cut corrugated metal.
In general, a skill saw can be used to cut corrugated metal. A skill saw is very effective at cutting corrugated metal. It is better suited to cutting large and small quantities of corrugated metal unlike some other tools which cut corrugated metal very slowly.
There are no drawbacks to using a skill saw to cut corrugated metal. And it is one of the best options to use. Ideally, use a metal skill saw blade.
Can You Cut Corrugated Metal with Electric Shears?
Electric shears are designed for cutting sheet metal. Corrugated metal, though, is more difficult to cut, and typically comes in very large sheets. So, here’s how well electric shears work to cut corrugated metal.
Overall, electric shears can be used to cut corrugated metal. Electric shears do a very good job of cutting corrugated metal. However, they require skill to hold them steady to make a straight cut. Tools like nibblers, and power saws such as circular saws are easier to use than electric shears.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on October 15, 2022.
Electric shears are OK to use, and will do the job. But, they are not the best option. If you have the option use nibblers, or a circular saw (skill saw) to cut corrugated metal.
Can You Cut Corrugated Metal with Tin Snips?
Tin snips are physically quite demanding to use but otherwise do a very good job of cutting metal. Corrugated metal has an uneven surface which makes it a bit more difficult than regular completely flat sheet metal. So, this is whether tin snips work to cut corrugated metal.
Overall, corrugated metal can be cut with tin snips. However, it is very labor intensive. They can also only be used to cut the edges off of corrugated metal. The reason is that one side of the cut needs to be curled up or down to create space for the tin snips to continue cutting.
For cuts that don’t need to be very precise, and corrugated metal that is not too thick you can use tin snips to make a cut about 2 inches (5 cm), and then pull the rest of the cut using your hands.
Can You Cut Corrugated Metal with an Angle Grinder?
An angle grinder is primarily used to smooth rough edges on metal. But, it has also been found to work well to cut various materials. Here’s a summary of whether it can be used to cut corrugated metal, and if it’s a good option.
In general, you can use an angle grinder to cut corrugated metal. But, it is slightly difficult to hold the angle grinder steady while you make a cut. It will jump and kick back a moderate amount as you make the cut. Other than that, it cuts corrugated metal well.
It does take a bit of time depending on how thick the corrugated metal is. It will also produce a lot of noise, and metal sparks. If you’re only making a few cuts then you can install what is called a fence made of wood.
Can You Cut Corrugated Metal with Sawzall?
A sawzall is very similar to other types of power saws, but it provides the ability to make more versatile cuts because the blade sticks out from the end of it. Some tools are better at cutting certain things than others, and some don’t work at all, so this is whether a sawzall will work to cut corrugated metal.
Overall, a sawzall can be used to cut corrugated metal. However, use a metal blade as it cuts easier, and the blade won’t get damaged. It is slightly difficult to get a sawzall to make a perfectly straight cut. Therefore, other tools like a nibbler, or skill saw are a better option.
A sawzall is not as easy to hold straight. Because corrugated metal has ridges and valleys makes it tricky to cut well using a skill saw. It definitely can work well but if you have access to a nibbler or a skill saw, they are a better option.
Can You Cut Corrugated Metal with Shears?
Shears, also called tin snips, are very effective at cutting metal but do require quite a bit of hand strength. Corrugated metal is unique to regular flat sheet metal because of the ridges. So, this is whether corrugated metal can be cut using shears.
Overall, shears can be used to cut corrugated metal. However, it is very labor intensive, and one side of the cut will be bent. This is because one side of the cut needs to be bent up or down to make room for the shears.
The uncut side needs to be bent back to being flat if you want to use it. Compared to the other options, shears are one of the worst tools to use. But, are suitable if:
- You are making a small amount of cuts
- You don’t need to use the part of the corrugated metal that you cut off
Can You Cut Corrugated Metal with Plasma Cutter?
A plasma cutter is a small hand held device that uses superheat to cut through materials. There are also computer operated plasma cutter machines, however, they are typically only used in manufacturing. This is how well a plasma cutter tool does at cutting corrugated metal.
In general, corrugated metal can be cut with a plasma cutter. It cuts corrugated metal very easily. But, leaves a very rough edge. It is not the best tool to use to cut corrugated metal, and should not be used unless you don’t have anything else. Below are some tools that work well.
Ideally, you should use a nibbler if you have one. But, a table saw, or skill saw are also very good options.
How to Cut Corrugated Metal Properly
It’s important when cutting corrugated metal to wear protective gloves, and protective glasses. If you are using a power tool then you should also wear ear protection. After you’ve got these ready, here’s how to cut corrugated metal properly.
In general, use a nibbler, table saw, or skill saw. Mark out the cut using a straight edge tool. Or, by marking out two spots and connecting them together using a ruler. Place the piece of corrugated metal between two sawhorses, or something similar. Then cut them using the tool you are using.
Power tools tend to produce a lot of metal sparks. Therefore, a fireproof apron can also be a good idea.
Particularly, if you are making a large amount of cuts. The main difference with cutting corrugated metal is the ridges make it more difficult to cut with some tools compared to flat sheet metal.
Overall, a jigsaw, table saw, nibbler, sawzall, electric shears, tin snips, plasma cutter, and skill saw (circular saw) work to cut corrugated metal. The tools that work the best are a nibbler, skill saw, and a table saw. A plasma cutter, and tin snips are the least best tool.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 15, 2022.